Committee to fight against drug scourge
Last Tuesday, the Amajuba District Drug Action Committee met at SANCA offices to look at ways to combat the scourge that gnaws away at victims' mental, emotional and physical health.
A euphoric escape from reality, drugs and alcohol can turn a world of colours into a horrific nightmare.
Last Tuesday, the Amajuba District Drug Action Committee met at SANCA offices to look at ways to combat the scourge that gnaws away at victims’ mental, emotional and physical health.
Chairperson, Morris Gajoo explained the committee consisted of social welfare organisations dedicated to eradicating substance abuse.
“The role of the committee is to create drug awareness and try to formulate preventive measures,” he said.
Why is it so important to stop substance abuse?
Mr Gajoo said in his time with the committee, he had met alcoholics and drug addicts as young as seven.
“With addiction comes loose morals, and there are children as young as 13 prostituting themselves for money to purchase their drugs.”
With loose morals, the possibility of contracting HIV/AIDS was a harsh reality, he added.
“Drugs are also a contributing factor to domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and crime.”
Currently, Mr Gajoo said one of the biggest problems in addressing addiction was the stigma surrounding it.
“People are embarrassed to say if a family member is going for treatment, but it is a bigger shame to leave it and have them continue taking drugs.”
He said the lack of a detox facility, especially for teenage girls, was another problem, and substance abuse could only be minimised through cooperation of the community.
